Apparatus and method for medical measurement

ABSTRACT

A measuring device for medical applications in at least one example embodiment includes a first part provided with measuring means for measuring data of a patient, and a second part provided with communication means for sending the data. In at least one example embodiment, the second part is releasably connected to the first part.

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/624,177, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/572,031, which was the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/NL2003/000635, filed Sep. 12, 2003; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/624,177 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/521,340, which was the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/NL2003/000508, filed Jul. 10, 2003, which claimed the benefit of Netherlands Patent Application No. 1021054, filed Jul. 12, 2002. These applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

I. TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a measuring device for a medical application comprising a first part provided with measuring means for measuring data of a patient, and a second part provided with communication means for receiving and/or transmitting the data, wherein the first part can be releasably connected to the second part.

II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Known from international patent application publication number WO 02/07595 is a connector unit for receiving a disposable catheter for performing for example urological measurements. In the catheter is arranged a pressure sensor for measuring diverse pressure-related data. The connector unit can be connected by means of electrical wiring to peripheral equipment for the purpose of sending the data thereto.

III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a general object of the invention to provide a universal measuring device for medical application with an increased number of possible uses.

A further object of the invention is to provide a measuring device which can easily be sterilized prior to use.

A further object of the invention is to provide a measuring device which is safe in use and dedicated to the intended use.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a measuring device having disposable and reusable parts.

Furthermore the present invention aims to provide a method for obtaining data from a human or animal, especially a bodily cavity and a method for manufacturing a device for medical application, according to the present invention.

A number of these and still further objects are obtained with a device or method according to the present invention.

With a device according to the present invention a suitable combination of a first part having measuring means such as a sensor and a second part for transmitting said data can be made, depending on the desired use. The second part is preferably a reusable part comprising for example electronics dedicated to a specific user such as a doctor, hospital or patient, whereas the first part is preferably a disposable part, dedicated for an intended use, such as catheters for pressure measurement in one or more bodily cavities or electrodes for EMG or EEG or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the communication means are wireless communication means such as Bluetooth, increasing the usability of the device. The possible uses are considerably increased through the application of wireless communication, because of the fact, among others, that the patient and the peripheral equipment do not have to be located in the same space. In addition, the measuring device according to the invention is extremely easy to use, which increases user convenience to a significant extent. The absence of wires moreover increases the freedom of movement of the patient to a significant degree.

In a preferred embodiment, the first part encloses the second part during use, such that the second part is fully surrounded by the first part. In such embodiment the first part functions as a shield for the second part. The first part can be sterilized in a suitable manner, whereas the second part can be introduced into the housing and does not have to be sterilized. A first part can be unwrapped from a package sterilized after which the second part can be introduced into the first part, preparing the device for use. To this end preferably closing means are provided in the first part for introducing the second part into the first part.

The measuring means can be one or more pressure sensors, provided in or on a catheter in a suitable manner. The pressure sensors are connected to the second part when the second part has been positioned into the first part, such that data obtained with each sensor can be transferred by the communication means.

In a further preferred embodiment the first part is provided with an electronic circuit for control of the first and/or second part. The electronic circuit is preferably provided in a chip.

In a first embodiment the electronic circuit is designed comprising a counter for timing a period after introduction of the second part into the first part, during which period the device is in an operational state, wherein the circuit is designed to bring the device out of the operational state after the period or upon removal of the second part from the first part. This means that the first part can only be used a limited number of times, especially once and/or only during the period or obtaining of the data can be started only during the period. This prevents reuse or improper use of a first part, especially for example catheters attached thereto.

In a second embodiment the circuit is designed for comprising information about at least data to be measured and/or measuring apparatuses attached to the first part, such as catheters with pressure sensing means and/or the second part to be inserted into the first part. The circuit comprises to that end for example a memory such as a ROM or RAM memory. This also has the advantage that when inserting the second part into the first part, the circuit will communicate with the second part and can automatically set the second part for the specific measurement means.

Preferably the circuit comprises both features as discussed before. The first and second part can be provided with locking means, such that only compatible first and second parts can be combined. This prevents insertion of a second part into a first part which is not compatible with the second part.

In a specific embodiment a device according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one catheter, connected to a pressure chamber on or in the first part, a pressure sensor being provided within or connected to the pressure chamber. During use pressure in a fluid within said pressure chamber can be measured with said pressure sensor, resulting in data to be communicated by the communication means.

Preferably said pressure chamber is provided with at least one pressure relieve opening, provided with a one-way valve, positioned such that fluid can be introduced past the valve into the pressure chamber but not in the opposite direction, wherein prior to use of the device the pressure relief valve is brought into an opened state such that the pressure chamber is in free communication with the environment of the device. The second part and/or the first part are more preferably provided with an electronic circuit for resetting the at least one pressure sensor when said pressure relief valve is in said opened state. This obviates the need of a multi-directional tap or valve. Before use the device can be sterilized with the one way valve in the opened state, having an open communication through the pressure chamber and into the catheter. Upon introduction of the second part into the first part, each pressure sensor can be reset. Reset has to be understood as encompassing setting a zero value with reference to the environmental pressure. After setting the one or more sensors, each one way valve is brought back into an operational position, out of the opened state, such that pressure fluid can not flow from the catheter or pressure chamber to the environment past the valve. In a suitable solution a plug can be used to bring and keep temporarily the valve in the opened state, which can be removed after the setting of the at least one sensor. The setting can be done electronically by a suitable circuit in the first and/or second part.

First and second parts as such are also part of the present invention.

The invention further relates to a method for measuring pressure in a bodily cavity using at least one catheter having a sensor, comprising the steps of sterilizing the at least one catheter, connected to a first part of a measuring device together with the first part, inserting a second part into the first part, such that the second part is fully enclosed within the first part, the second part being provided with communication means for transmitting data received from the at least one sensor to recording and/or analyzing means.

With such method the device can easily be prepared for use, without the necessity of sterilizing the second part as such. Moreover, such device can be made relatively small and light, such that it can be worn by a patient.

Moreover the present invention relates to a set of at least one second part and a series of first parts, compatible with the at least one second part.

The present invention furthermore relates to a method for manufacturing a device according to the present invention.

In elucidation of the invention exemplary embodiments of the present invention will hereafter be described, with reference to the drawings.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates in perspective view a first embodiment of the measuring device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the parts taken apart;

FIG. 3 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 with connections in a practical situation;

FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of a measuring device according to the present invention, in which a second part can be inserted into a first part, in disassembled position;

FIG. 5 illustrates the device according to FIG. 4, in assembled position;

FIG. 6 illustrates a third embodiment of a device, especially of a first part thereof, according to the present invention, in exploded view;

FIG. 7 illustrates a device according to FIG. 6 from a bottom front side, in assembled position;

FIG. 8 illustrates a device according to FIGS. 6 and 7, in a top rear view;

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate a device according to FIGS. 6-8, in various assembling steps.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Corresponding components are designated in the figures with the same reference numerals. The embodiments shown are only shown by way of example and should not be considered as limiting the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a measuring device 1 comprising a cassette 2 forming a first part, which is connected to a cassette holder 3 forming a second part. In this application the reference sign 2 will be used for the first part, in any form (e.g. cassette or housing), the reference sign 3 for the second part, in any form (e.g. holder or module). Cassette 2 is provided with measuring means, which in this preferred embodiment are adapted to perform liquid pressure measurements in the field of urology. The measuring means comprises three catheters 4 which are each provided with three ports, i.e. a first port 5 a, 5 b, 5 c for connection of a catheter tube 6 a, 6 b, 6 c (see FIG. 3), a second venting port 7 and a third port 8 in which is arranged a pressure sensor 20 (not shown). The catheters are further provided with a two-way tap 9 and a non-return valve 10. Such a catheter is described at length in the above stated international patent application publication no. WO 02/07595 which is incorporated herein by reference, at least for the catheters.

It is noted in this respect that the catheters 4 are preferably at least partly integrated into the cassette. The cassette is provided with recesses on which a close-fitting casing is placed in liquid-tight manner, the recesses and casing together forming said part of the catheters 4, especially pressure chambers 18. The components of the catheters and the function thereof correspond however to that of the known catheters, to which reference has been made above.

Cassette 2 can be connected releasably to holder 3 by means of a connector 27, this being illustrated in FIG. 2. It is noted that many types of suitable connectors are available commercially for releasable connection of the cassette 2 and the holder 3.

During use the cassette 2 may come into contact with bodily fluids of the patient and is intended as a disposable article. The holder 3 is preferably provided with a power supply, for instance in the form of batteries. Preferably a rechargeable battery is used such as known from mobile phones. Such battery is robust and light as well as compact. In the cassette 2 a chip 13 is provided, connected to the cassette holder 3 and to the battery, which chip 13 comprises an electronic circuit with a counter or timer. Once the cassette 2 is connected to the holder 3 the counter is initiated and starts timing a preset period of time during which the device can be used, for example for receiving and transmitting data obtained with the pressure sensors. After passing the preset period the chip 13 will stop the device 1 and prevent reuse of the cassette 2. Preferably the chip 13 is designed to allow only one use of the cassette, whereas disconnecting the cassette 2 form the holder 3 will prevent a second use, although disconnecting and reconnecting within the period may be allowable, depending on the setting of the chip 13.

Moreover the chip 13 can be provided with memory means in which data can be stored concerning for example an intended user such as a doctor or hospital, the type of catheters connected to the cassette 2, the intended use and the like. When connecting the cassette 2 to the holder 3 the chip 13 is read by the holder 3, that is by electronics inside the holder 3. A verification cycle is performed and if the data stored in the memory is acknowledged as compatible with the holder 3, the desired data can be obtained with the sensors 20. Otherwise the device will be blocked. This prevents unallowed or improper use. Preferably the chip 13 can be charged with information only once.

Holder 3 is provided with wireless communication means. The communication means comprise at least one transmitter, for instance a radio frequency transmitter 11. All peripherals with a suitable receiver can receive and/or process the data sent by the holder. Examples of such peripherals are computers, such as personal computers, including laptops, as well as electronic agendas, the so-called palmtop. If desired, the communication means can also comprise a receiver, preferably a radio frequency receiver. Suitable wireless communication means are per se known and available commercially. Use is preferably made of a protocol for monitoring the completeness and/or reliability of the received data. Such protocols are per se known and available commercially in the form of software and/or hardware. An example of suitable wireless communication means is the Bluetooth system of IBM.

Holder 3 is further provided with electronics for reading the measurement values of the pressure sensor and converting thereof into data suitable for transmission. Holder 3 comprises for this purpose means for digitizing the data. The holder can also comprise a pre-amplifier. Such electronics are commercially available and therefore known to a skilled person in the field.

Holder 3 is also provided with means for attaching the holder to a patient, such as adhesive electrodes (not shown), and is suitable for stationary and ambulatory use. Holder 3 is suitable and intended for reuse. It can be cleaned simply in the usual manner, for instance with a wet cloth. The holder can be made splashproof by liquid-tight sealing of the connector for the cassette.

FIG. 3 shows measuring device 1 in a practical situation. A catheter tube 6 a for rectal measurement of the abdominal pressure is connected to port 5 a. A catheter tube 6 b for simultaneously measuring the pressure in the urethra and in the bladder is connected to ports 5 b and 5 c.

In FIG. 4, a second embodiment of a device 1 according to the present invention is shown, comprising a first part 2 or cassette, designed as a housing, and a second part 3 or send module. The second part 3 can be inserted into a cavity 14 in the first part 2, through an opening 15 (FIG. 4), which can be closed off by a lid 16 for fully enclosing the second part 3 within the first part 2, shielding the second part 3 from the environment (FIG. 5). This means that the second part does not have to be sterile, whereas the first part 2 can be sterilized without the second part 3 containing the communication means.

As discussed before, the catheters can be connected to or form part of the first part. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-11, the tap as shown in FIGS. 1-3 is removed. A one way valve 17 is inserted into the pressure chamber 18, as will be discussed hereafter, opposite the catheter 4, such that in normal operating condition no fluid can pass the valve 17 from the catheter and/or the pressure chamber 18 to the environment. However, air can pass the valve in the opposite direction if necessary. During sterilizing of the first part 2, especially the catheters and pressure chambers and/or setting of the sensors, the valve may be opened mechanically for providing a free passage along the valve. After setting of the sensors the valve may be closed, for example by removing a blocking means such as a plug. Thus a very simple and economical device is obtained. Setting can be performed automatically upon introduction of the second part into the first part.

The first part is provided with four pressure chambers 18, to each of which a catheter 4 can be attached. Each pressure chambers comprises an opening 19 into the cavity, in or under which opening a pressure sensor 20 can be attached, such that it can measure pressure within the pressure chamber, at least in fluid therein.

FIGS. 6-11 show an embodiment of a first part 2 of a device according to the present invention, in a modified construction. FIG. 6 shows the device in exploded view, from the bottom side, FIGS. 7 and 8 in bottom and top view.

The first part 2 comprises a top part 21 comprising the pressure chambers 18. The openings 19 are visible near an end wall 22. The pressure sensors 20 can be attached to the bottom 23 of the bottom part, over the openings 21, after which a connecting board 24 is slid against the wall 22, over the pressure sensors 20. Interconnectors 25 are slid into the connector board 24 for each sensor 20. Then a connecting plate 26 is positioned on top of the interconnectors 25, which connecting plate 26 comprises a first connector 27 and the chip 13. Electrical connections (not shown) are provided for connecting interconnectors 25, the chip 13 and the first connector 27.

The second part 3, as shown in FIG. 4, includes a second connector 28 for connecting to the first connector 27, similar to the connectors as discussed with reference to FIGS. 1-3, for exchange of data and other information and power. In the device 1 as shown in FIGS. 6-11, to only two pressure chambers 18 a catheter is connected, for example by gluing. Shown are a triple lumen catheter 4A with leakage detection 4B and a balloon catheter 4C but obviously any kind of catheter can be connected, based on for example the choice of the manufacturer and/or desires of the user. As shown, the triple lumen catheter has an electrical leakage detector that can be attached to the connecting plate by connecting pins 34. In the relevant two pressure chambers 18 connected to a catheter 4, a one way valve 17 is inserted, for example manufactured by Qosina. The other two pressure chambers are closed off on both sides by suitable lids 29. Into the opening 30 of each valve 17 a plug 31 is inserted, such that the valve is brought and held in an opened position, for sterilization and/or setting, as discussed. The plugs 31 can for example be hollow and can be clamped into the openings 30, such that they can easily be removed before measuring data. It should be noted that such plug or similar means could also be used with a catheter according to WO 02/07595.

The first part 2 further comprises a lid 32, for closing the first part 2. The lid 32 comprises two parts, an upper part 33 which can be secured to the bottom part 21 at the side of the end wall 22. A lower part 35 can be slid in and over the upper part 33, having an end wall 36 such that the lid 32 will close off the housing or first part 2 around a second part 3 connected to the connecting plate 26. In the lid 32 an opening 37 can be provided in which a sensor or other attachment means can be provided for connecting the first part 2 to means for wearing the device, for example on an arm, leg, garment or the like, as discussed with respect to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1-3. Once the lid is positioned, the first part 2 is hermetically closed and shields a second part 3 positioned therein from the environment and vice versa.

FIG. 7 shows the assembled device 1 of FIG. 6, from the bottom, while FIG. 8 shows the assembled device 1 of FIG. 6 from the top.

A device 1 according to FIG. 6 can be made by manufacturing the bottom part 21, for example by injection molding, including the hollow pressure chambers 18, after which the sensors 20 are positioned over the openings 19, for example by gluing. Then the connecting board 23, the interconnectors 24 and the connecting plate are brought into position. Suitable snap means 50 are provided for locking these into position, as shown in FIG. 9.

Then the bottom part 21 is sent to for example a manufacturer of catheters, who will prepare the bottom part for a specific customer by attaching the appropriate catheters 4 to the pressure chambers 18, for example by gluing, welding, snap fitting or the like, preferably such that they can not be removed, as is shown in FIG. 11. Then the chip 13 will be programmed with information about for example the catheters 4, the intended use, the intended user or any other information thought appropriate. Obviously this may also be done at the site of manufacturing the device itself.

The lid 32 will be placed, as is shown in FIG. 10, together with the valves 17 with plugs 31 and lids 29. The first part 2 including the catheters will then normally be sterilized, wrapped in a wrapper and sent to the user ready for use.

The user has a second part 3, dedicated to for example him, his hospital and/or to specific first parts 2. When the device 1 is to be used for, for example, measurement of pressures within one or more cavities, the catheters 4 are appropriately positioned and the lower part 35 is removed or hinged open, after which the second part 3 is slid into the cavity 14 and connected to the first part 2, particularly to the connector 27. The lid 32 is then closed and the device is ready for use.

Upon connecting the second part 3 to the first part 2 the chip 13 and the second part will exchange a recognition protocol. If the first part is recognized and authenticated by the second part, then the device is in an operating state. The sensors will be set automatically to the environmental pressure, due to the open connection between the pressure chamber and the environment, past the one way valve. This pressure will be used as reference pressure. Once the sensors 20 are reset, the plugs 31 are removed, closing the valves 17 and the actual pressures can be measured and the data can be stored and/or transmitted.

As discussed before, upon connecting the connectors 27, 28, a timer is set in the chip 13, timing a period in which the device can be used or during which at least the measurement of data has to commence. Would the second part be removed again within a certain time period after the connection occurs, it may be reloaded but after the time, which is preferably considerably shorter than the preset period, reconnecting will be useless because the chip 13 will prevent reuse. The first part is a disposable part to be used only once.

A measuring device according to the invention is described in the context of urological applications. It will however be apparent to a skilled person in the field that the measuring means can if desired be replaced by diverse other measuring means for use in other fields of medical science. An example of such measuring means is means for measuring electrophysiological data, for instance measuring electrodes. The measuring device is then suitable for performing a general electrophysiological examination, such as ECG (electrocardiogram) measurements, EMG (electromyography) measurements, and gastro-enterological measurements. The skilled person will have no difficulty whatever in also using other, per se known measuring means in combination with the above described measuring device.

In FIG. 3, in addition to the catheters, two measuring electrodes 12 are connected to cassette 2 to perform ECG measurements. This is also possible in the embodiments of FIGS. 4-11.

The present invention is by no means limited by or to the embodiments as shown or discussed. Many variations are possible within the frame as set by the claims. For example combinations of parts of the embodiments can be made, another number of catheters can be used and these can be connected in a different manner. Other means may be provided for timing the period, which may be set off in a different manner, for example by closing the lid 32 or by first receipt of data from the sensors.

The second part and the first part may be provided with cooperating locking means, allowing only a second part with a first locking means, for example a pin, to be used with a fitting second locking means, for example a hole. This is a further obstacle to inappropriate use of a wrong first or second part. A first part according to the present invention may be manufactured without a chip and may be suitable for multiple use. Other communication means may be used, even wired communication, although wireless is proffered. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: at least one pressure sensor unit including a housing having at least one pressure chamber and at least one catheter connector where a passageway is present from the catheter connector to the pressure chamber, at least one of said at least one pressure chamber includes a pressure sensor, and at least one electrical connector; a module including at least one module connector for releasably connecting to said at least one electrical connector of said at least one sensor unit, and a wireless transmitter in electrical communication with said at least one module connector; a memory in electrical communication with said pressure sensor, said memory is located in at least one of said pressure sensor unit and said module; and a processor connected to said memory and said wireless transmitter.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said module further includes a plurality of electrode jacks, said plurality of electrode jacks are connected to said wireless transmitter.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said module further includes means for measuring electrophysiological signals.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said memory stores data from said at least one pressure sensor.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one catheter attached to one of said at least one pressure sensor unit, where an interior passageway in said catheter is in fluid communication with said pressure sensor.
 6. A system for measuring and transmitting data to an external device, the system comprising: at least one catheter transferring fluid having a pressure; at least one pressure sensor connected to said at least one catheter, said at least one pressure sensor detecting the pressure of the fluid; at least one cassette housing said at least one pressure sensor and having a one way valve in fluid connection with one of said at least one catheter; and a transmitter releasably connected to said at least one cassette, said transmitter receiving an electrical signal representing a fluid pressure from said at least one pressure sensor and transmitting a signal based on the electrical signal to the external device.
 7. The system according to claim 6, further comprising a memory connected to said transmitter.
 8. The system according to claim 6, further comprising at least one battery connected to said transmitter.
 9. The system according to claim 6, wherein said at least one cassette further includes a cover.
 10. The system according to claim 6, further comprising a processor connected to said transmitter, and a plurality of electrode jacks connected to said processor; and wherein said processor and said plurality of electrode jacks together are adapted to measure electrophysiological data.
 11. The system according to claim 6, wherein said transmitter is a wireless transmitter.
 12. The system according to claim 6, further comprising a radio frequency receiver.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said at least one pressure sensor is in fluid communication with said at least one catheter to detect the pressure directly from the fluid delivered by said at least one catheter.
 14. An apparatus comprising: at least one cassette including a housing having a pressure chamber, a one-way valve connected to the pressure chamber, a catheter connecter connected to the pressure chamber at an end opposite to said one-way valve, a sensor in said housing and exposed to said pressure chamber such that said sensor can detect a pressure of fluid present in said pressure chamber, and an electrical connector connected to said sensor; a communications module including at least one connector releasably connected to one of said at least one electrical connector, a wireless transmitter connected to said at least one connector, and a radio frequency receiver; and wherein when said at least one electrical connector is connected to said at least one connector, an electrical pathway exists between said sensor and said transmitter.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a memory in communication with said transmitter and said sensor, said memory is located in at least one of said cassette and said communications module.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising at least one catheter attached to each cassette.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said communications module further includes a processor.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said communications module further includes a processor connected to said plurality of electrode jacks that together are adapted to measure electrophysiological data.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said communications module further includes a plurality of electrode jacks.
 20. An apparatus comprising: a housing; at least three measuring components, each measuring component including: a catheter connection port capable of connecting to a catheter tube, a pressure chamber in fluid communication with said catheter connection port, and a pressure sensor in fluid communication with said pressure chamber; at least one chip in electrical communication with each pressure sensor; and an electrical connector releasably connectable to a module.
 21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein each of said measuring components includes a valve connected to said catheter connection port.
 22. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein each of said measuring components includes a non-return valve in fluid communication with said pressure chamber. 